The socialists in power (1982-1996).

Authors

  • JOSÉ MARÍA MARÍN ARCE

Keywords:

Spain, socialist party, PSOE, government, Felipe González.

Abstract

The socialists’ long term in government from 1982 to 1996 marked the definitive consolidation of democracy in Spain. This was when the country joined European in stitutions and modernised its social and economic structures. The first two socialist legislatures were characterised by a policy that could be termed progressive liberal, in which the PSOE focussed on the centre of the political spectrum. It was not until 1989 that there was a shift towards more social-democratic policies, following unrest amongst workers that led to the general strike in 1988. After 1992, the party went into a drawn-out decline, gradually losing voters until in 1996 it lost the general elections to the Partido Popular.

Published

2008-11-12

Issue

Section

MONOGRAPHS

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